Dashing Sideswipe

Sideswipe drove his friends to the stunt show that had been set up where all the rest of the Ponyville residents and students from the School of Friendship were seated on the bleachers. After he opened his doors, the Mane Six and Scootaloo exited and started to look for available spots on the bleachers. The Autobot remained in vehicle mode.

Sideswipe noticed all the equipment constructed and obstacles all over the area. “Hmmm, those things look very similar to the ones I have seen on earth,” he recalled. “The Wreckers always had a thing for stunts and racing. These ponies do relate to humans in so many ways, do they?”

As Scootaloo and the Mane Six began to sit in the last available spots in the midst of the anxious crowd, sounds of microphones were heard. “Fillies and gentlecolts, you are all in for a BIG surprise! For this is the time, and this is the place! This is THE WASHOUTS!!!!” the speaker proclaimed.

As the crowd wildly cheered, green smoke started to spread around the area. Out of it came the new team of the Washouts. The crowd once again cheered for them even more wildly than before. Scootaloo herself was likewise extremely enthusiastic as she had been waiting to see them with her own eyes for a while.

However, Rainbow Dash sulked in her jealousy and rolled her eyes at the Washouts. The latter then flew in the air and began to high five the crowd while flying right across them. Suddenly, the cannons fired confetti and fireworks which caused the ponies to cheer more.

“Wow. These ponies really are like humans,” thought Sideswipe as he observed what happened so far. “Wait... something is not right. Are they really heading for those deadly objects?”

“Remember, folks, these bold Washouts are highly trained professionals! Do NOT try this at home...” the speaker shouted. “...unless you want to try it for yourselves and be finished with it.” he whispered.

Sideswipe heard the last part as his audio receptors picked it up. “Huh? Why does that voice sound so familiar?” he asked himself until something struck his side. “Ow! Did something hit me?”

One of the Washouts flew right through electrified rings without any harm, and the other one flew right through the fire unscathed by the flames. Seeing the flawless maneuver made Rainbow Dash open her jaw wide in shock.

“Whoa,” said Rainbow, genuinely amazed.

“That pegasus will give Roadbuster a run for his money. Very impressive.” Sideswipe complemented.

A third one was launched by a cannon to midair until the Washout flew around and dived toward the spinning spikes. The fearless pegasus dodged every spike and made it out unscathed as well. Seeing them put themselves in dangerous positions made Rainbow even more worried.

At the very end, the Washouts finished their stunts before the audience applauded them for their daring performance. “Wow... that... was... AWESOME!” Rainbow unintentionally said.

“See? I told you!” Scootaloo said, smiling smugly.

“I mean—(clears throat) it was okay I guess.” Rainbow clarified, seeing herself being swayed by the Washouts.

“I gotta say... it was really cool. Not bad. Not bad at all.” Sideswipe stated.

“We’re glad you enjoyed it, Sideswipe!” Twilight smiled.

“Hey look! They are getting everypony’s autograph now! I think it’s good opportunity for Scootaloo to talk to them!” Pinkie pointed. The filly got suddenly nervous.

“Talk to them?! I can’t just do that!” Scootaloo nervously objected.

As Rainbow thought about it, she grinned. “Say you know what? I think it will be great. Come on, squirt, with me beside you, you have no reason to be nervous. Come!” She picked her up and flew over to the Washouts.

Suddenly, one of them flew down before Rainbow and Scootaloo. She took her helmet off and revealed herself to them. “Lightning Dust! It’s you!” Rainbow angrily recognized.

“Well, well, Rainbow Dash, it’s been a long time hasn’t it?” Lightning asked.

“What are you doing here?” Rainbow demanded.

“Oh, I’m just living a new life with these two ex-Wonderbolts by my side. You know... friends who actually support me in what I do... unlike you.” Lightning glared.

“I heard about you! You were the one who raced with Rainbow Dash in Wonderbolt Academy! You’re her rival!” Scootaloo said, recognizing her as well.

“Well, looks like you told this filly about me, huh?” smirked Lightning Dust. “You appeared to enjoy our show. I can tell you want to be a part of something... better.”

“Yes, I really did. I mean, you guys...WERE AWESOME!!” Scootaloo shouted. Rainbow glared at her for that. “Wait, how do you guys know what I want?”

“Well, I’ve heard much about you, young filly,” said another voice. The ponies looked back and saw a grayish stallion with a white shirt, black blazer, and dark purple mane. “I am Hoofbreaker, leader of the Washouts. A lot of folks have been talking about you, miss. I know you lack the ability to fly, but I think you can still be something better in being more than that.”

“Really?! Does that mean I can be part of the Washouts?!” Scootaloo excitedly asked.

“Umm, NO THANK YOU! Besides, she’s better off with us Wonderbolts!” Rainbow objected.

“Wonderbolts are boring! I want to do something much more awesome than anything that has to do with flying. Also, he wasn’t asking YOU!” Scootaloo snapped. Rainbow was taken back at her words.

“Then a Washout you shall be.” Hoofbreaker smirked. “Your friend over here surely wants you to be successful in what you do best, yes?”

“I—wha—of course I do, but nothing like this! She can get herself hurt! Come, Scootaloo, we’re leaving!” Rainbow grabbed the filly to fly away, but the latter pushed Rainbow away.

“Stop looking after me!” Scootaloo chided. “I can take care of myself! I really want to be part of the Washouts!!”

“But Scootaloo, these guys have no regard for safety! It’s one of the reasons why Lightning was kicked out of the Wonderbolts!” Rainbow argued.

Ignoring her, Scootaloo turned to Hoofbreaker and Lightning. “I am more than willing to join you guys. I want to become awesome like you!”

“Scootaloo, no!!” Rainbow cried.

“Scootaloo, yes!” Hoofbreaker smiled. He gave her a Washouts helmet. After gazing at it, she put her new helmet on. “Welcome, newbie. Prepare yourself... for this...” he menacingly spoke.

Sideswipe then recognized his real voice and transformed to robot mode. “SCOOTALOO! RAINBOW! WATCH OUT!” he alerted.

Hoofbreaker transformed into the Decepticon Ratbat and activated the helmet. It turned into a cage that entrapped Scootaloo. “WHAT’S HAPPENING?! HELP!! HELP!!” she cried.

“Hahahahahahahaha!! Like a mouse in a trap! Take her away, Lightning Dust.” Ratbat ordered.

“With pleasure!” Lightning evilly grinned. She and her two comrades carried her cage and flew off to the forest while Scootaloo screamed in terror.

“LET HER GO, DECEPTI-CREEP!” Sideswipe demanded, drawing his blasters out. Ratbat shot electrical pulses from his wings at the Autobot that immobilized him.

“SIDESWIPE!” the Mane Five cried. As they ran to him, Ratbat also immobilized them with his electric pulses.

“You see, Autobot? This is what happens when younglings like you are cocky and stupid enough to follow their own ways. Hehe, don’t worry though. I won’t hurt her... much.” Ratbat taunted. The ponies ran for their lives as they were terrified of the Decepticon.

“NOO!!” Rainbow screamed. She attempted to punch the alien bat, but the latter easily swatted her with his right wing, injuring her.

“Good thing I disabled your sensors so you wouldn’t pick up my energy signatures. Time to fly, Sideswipe. Hahahahaha!!!” Ratbat spoke, flying away to finish his plan.

Sideswipe grunted in pain as he beheld his adversary fly off. “No...”